Karnataka CM 2018: What is ‘Operation Kamala’? Why are JD(S), Congress referring to it to hit out at BJP?

The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Karnataka Assembly Election results 2018, but is eight seats short of a simple majority. Amid the tussle over government formation in Karnataka in the wake of a fractured split, the Janata Dal-Secular and Congress are making all efforts to keep the BJP away from power in the southern state.

BS Yeddyurappa&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspPTI

Bengaluru: Amid the tussle over government formation in Karnataka in the wake of a fractured verdict, the Janata Dal-Secular and the Congress are making all efforts to keep the BJP away from assuming office in the southern state. Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accused it of resorting to dirty tricks like horse trading to ensure that it forms the next government in Karnataka.

The JD(S), which has joined hands with the Congress, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of offering Rs 100 crore and cabinet berths to its newly-elected MLAs. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Karnataka Assembly Election 2018 vote-count but is eight seats short of simple majority. “We heard that they (BJP) are trying to do Operation Kamala (Operation Lotus) now also,” Kumaraswamy said while addressing a press conference.

He also added that the BJP’s attempt to poach JD(S) legislators “will backfire as there are people who are willing to leave the BJP to support us”. Congress leader and Karnataka outgoing Chief Minister too had earlier targeted BS Yeddyurappa, saying that the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate strategized “Operation Kamala”.

What is Operation Kamala?

The term “Operation Kamala” was coined in 2008. As per Siddaramaiah, under the “operation Kamala”, opposition parties were weakened when the BJP was in power in Karnataka. In 2008 Karnataka Assembly Elections, the BJP, with BS Yeddyurappa as its CM face, won 110 seats, falling short of the majority by three seats.

It is said that former minister G Janardhana Reddy, also the mining baron, chalked out a plan to bypass the Anti-Defection Law and get the backing of MLAs so that the BJP secures more than 112 seats.

It was reported that the BJP allegedly used political and money power to woo three Congress MLAs and four JD-S MLAs, who contested by-polls on BJP ticket. Out of seven, five won, taking the BJP’s tally to 115.

BS Yeddyurappa became Karnataka’s Chief Minister, the first one to lead the BJP to power, but had to tender resignation in 2011 over corruption allegations.

This election make sure you do a complete background check of your neta’s criminal background, qualification, assets and income, before voting. A step taken towards choosing a #SwachhNeta can go a long way in ensuring clean politics. To background check your neta, log on to www.swachhneta.com.

Karnataka CM 2018: What is ‘Operation Kamala’? Why are JD(S), Congress referring to it to hit out at BJP?Description:The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Karnataka Assembly Election results 2018, but is eight seats short of a simple majority. Amid the tussle over government formation in Karnataka in the wake of a fractured split, the Janata Dal-Secular and Congress are making all efforts to keep the BJP away from power in the southern state. Times Now